receptacle

[Vince Santos]

What do you typically recommend when you come across this type of installation?

Receptacle above baseboard heating. This one is a little different in that it's actually blocked as well.

[James F. McKee]

Originally Posted by vsantos

What do you typically recommend when you come across this type of installation?

Receptacle above baseboard heating. This one is a little different in that it's actually blocked as well.

Repair by a qualified electrician....nice picture Vince

[bdoles2]

As a minimum I'd recommend removal of the outlets, to be replaced with a blank double gang cover. This will eliminate even the thought of plugging in something.

And as James states, to be done by a licensed electrician.

[Michael Larson]

Originally Posted by vsantos

What do you typically recommend when you come across this type of installation?

Receptacle above baseboard heating. This one is a little different in that it's actually blocked as well.

Depends on whether the baseboard is electric or hot water.

Of course the half covered receptacles are a problem worth noting.

[Wayne B. Wilson]

There should be no outlet above a heater

[Vince Santos]

Originally Posted by mlarson

Depends on whether the baseboard is electric or hot water.

Of course the half covered receptacles are a problem worth noting.

The baseboard heat in this area was electric.

[Michael Larson]

Originally Posted by vsantos

The baseboard heat in this area was electric.

Then removal is the only option.

This does not apply to baseboard hot water systems.

[Marc D. Shunk]

Originally Posted by mlarson

Then removal is the only option.

You could actually enhance the nature of the hazard if you step into recommending how the hazard is to be remediated. If this receptacle is installed to satisfy spacing rules, summary elimination of the receptacle is not the fix for the hazard. Removing the receptacle and installing two more, each at the outboard ends of the heater, is more likely the fix the electrician will have to do.

[Michael Larson]

Originally Posted by Marc D. Shunk

You could actually enhance the nature of the hazard if you step into recommending how the hazard is to be remediated. If this receptacle is installed to satisfy spacing rules, summary elimination of the receptacle is not the fix for the hazard. Removing the receptacle and installing two more, each at the outboard ends of the heater, is more likely the fix the electrician will have to do.

I'm not sure what you are saying Marc.

Has is ever been code to have electrical outlets above electric baseboard?

[Marc D. Shunk]

Originally Posted by mlarson

Has is ever been code to have electrical outlets above electric baseboard?

No, it's never been in the code, per se - save for 110.3(B) which is a general rule that manufacturer's rules be followed. All electric baseboard heaters have instructions that forbid a receptacle over them. Even if they didn't, it's at least a stupid place for a receptacle. You're allowed to call out stupid things.

[Marc D. Shunk]

Originally Posted by mlarson

I'm not sure what you are saying Marc.

Was it the spacing rules that have you mixed up, maybe?

[Michael Larson]

Originally Posted by Marc D. Shunk

Was it the spacing rules that have you mixed up, maybe?

I am very familiar with the spacing rules.

The heater was likely installed after construction in an unacceptable manner.

I'd rather have no receptacle there and violate the spacing rule than have the fire hazard of a cord draped over the heater.

Either way it needs to be called out. Remove one or the other.

[Christopher Currins]

Originally Posted by mlarson

I am very familiar with the spacing rules.

The heater was likely installed after construction in an unacceptable manner.

I'd rather have no receptacle there and violate the spacing rule than have the fire hazard of a cord draped over the heater.

Either way it needs to be called out. Remove one or the other.

So you don't agree with Mark on replacing instead of removing? That is what I would recommend. You even said the rec. was most likely there before the heater.

[Marc D. Shunk]

Originally Posted by ccurrins

So you don't agree with Mark on replacing instead of removing? That is what I would recommend. You even said the rec. was most likely there before the heater.

I'm puzzled why you'd recommend any particular repair at all. Wouldn't the more prudent approach be to simply point out that it's being there is a hazard, and recommend an electrician correct it? Whether the electrician simply blanks it off or whether he blanks it off and installs another 1 or 2 outside of the heater's length should be up to someone besides the home inspector. Sorry, but I get a little cranked up when a home inspector attempts to tell the homeowner or buyer how I ought to effect the repair.

[Michael Larson]

Originally Posted by Marc D. Shunk

I'm puzzled why you'd recommend any particular repair at all. Wouldn't the more prudent approach be to simply point out that it's being there is a hazard, and recommend an electrician correct it? Whether the electrician simply blanks it off or whether he blanks it off and installs another 1 or 2 outside of the heater's length should be up to someone besides the home inspector. Sorry, but I get a little cranked up when a home inspector attempts to tell the homeowner or buyer how I ought to effect the repair.

Hey Marc, remove the outlet or remove the heater. I don't care.


And please get off your high horse.